The warning signs of depression.

Depression is a mental, physical and emotional illness; it is a very complex issue that affects all ages, however it is most commonly found in people between the ages of 15 and 45. It is predominant in women and it is one of the most severe and common pathologies in the world.

The main warning signs are:

• Feeling of inner emptiness, sadness and desperation.
• Melancholy without an apparent reason.
• Alterations in sleep cycles: early risings, lack of sleep or sleeping too much.
• Loss of appetite.
• A feeling of uselessness, including a sense of guilt because of it.
• Inability to feel interested about work.
• Disinterest for activities that previously brought joy.
• Neglect of physical appearance.
• Inability to establish social relationships.
• A constant feeling that the short and long-term future no longer exists.
• Inability to display affection.
• Physical issues or somatizations that do not cease even with medical treatment: cardiovascular, muscular, digestive, etc.
• Suicidal thoughts sometimes shared with those that are closest.

The help of a specialist should be requested as soon as possible if a person experiences any of these symptoms. The earlier the diagnosis, the better reaction will be to the treatment.

Dr J. Hurtado Martínez

Medical Director of HealthSalus